BRYANT -- The Bryant School District can enter into an agreement with a construction management firm, putting into motion three construction projects.

During a School Board meeting Thursday, Superintendent Tom Kimbrell recommended that the district enter into a professional service agreement with Baldwin and Shell Construction Co. District officials had whittled down some 15 responses to a request for qualifications for the construction management and general construction services, he said.

The School Board unanimously approved Kimbrell's recommendation after being assured that a company representative would attend the board meetings and give monthly updates. The district will now enter into a negotiation of the fees, which will be based on the scope of the projects, Kimbrell said.

Earlier this year, the district contracted with Lewis Architects for the building services.

The two companies will work hand in hand to complete expansions to Davis and Collegeville elementaries, along with electrical upgrades to Bryant High School. The district plans to add five classrooms and expand the kitchen and cafeteria in both of the elementary schools.

The district had more construction projects lined up but placed them on hold after voters rejected a proposed millage increase in February. The millage increase would have helped fund the construction projects -- new schools and additions to certain schools -- which are needed as the student population continues to increase, district officials have said.

Since February, the School Board has sold second-lien bonds, generating some $10 million to be spent on the district's immediate facility needs: the elementary schools' expansions and the electrical upgrades, Kimbrell said.

Other construction projects, such as building a new elementary and middle school, will have to be contracted soon, Kimbrell said Thursday, but the district doesn't have the available funds to complete them. Had the millage passed, the state Department of Education's Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation would have provided $19 million for approved construction projects.

District officials have said they again plan to ask voters to increase the millage.

School Board member David Moore said the group should discuss the district's facilities in a workshop session and asked Kimbrell if he was concerned about anything in particular.

Kimbrell said he wasn't sure the millage plan was vetted enough to garner community support and added that residents may also have input on upgrades to the district's facilities. The School Board should prepare a budget and facilities plan and have both ready to present to the public, he said.

"Whatever you need us to do, we'll be there," School Board President Rhonda Sanders said, adding that the board members will be able to speak to where the district is heading.

Metro on 07/25/2014